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The Grape Harvest Festival is like Carnaval for wine enthusiasts. Held each year at the start of the grape-picking season, the festival is the biggest party of the year in Argentina's most prestigious wine-making region, Mendoza. Early celebrations date back to the 17th century, but the first official Fiesta Nacional de la Vendimia took place in 1936. The harvest celebration occurs annually on the first weekend in March, preceded by the symbolic Blessing of the Fruits the Sunday before.

The Queens Parade

In the months leading up to the harvest, festivities take place in the 18 provincial departments to choose young local queens. The 18 finalists kick off the Friday night party with the Queens Parade through the streets of downtown Mendoza. Each "reina" represents her region with decorative costumes and chariots accompanied by the previous queen she's replacing. The "Via Blanca de las Reinas" is accessible from the streets, but tickets are available to the Park Hyatt terrace for a posh viewing party with wine and tapas included.

The Queens Carousel

Why have one parade when you can have two? On Saturday morning, the Queens Carousel, or "Carrusel Vendimial," takes place in the Mendoza streets. This second parade features the chariot-driven queens, Gaucho-styled men on horses and traditionally adorned dancers representing the regional cultures. After the parade, watch for Harvest Queen hopefuls passing out cookies, photos and other goodies in an effort to win your vote.

The Central Act

The Central Act is the main event and features the crowning of a new National Grape Harvest Queen. Taking place Saturday night at the Frank Romero Day Greek Theater, the "Acto Central" features hundreds of performers, dramatic lighting effects and an explosive fireworks finale. The overlong counting of the votes for Queen is the only lull, but the 20,000 attendees do not seem to mind. Though a bit anti-climactic, the Central Act is re-enacted Sunday and Monday nights.

Where to Stay and Play in Mendoza

"The Lonely Planet: Argentina" guide recommends Trout & Wine for all-inclusive vineyard tours and the Vines of Mendoza tasting room to sample wine flights from throughout the region. Vines of Mendoza also provides a local Insider's Guide, which recommends Achaval Ferrer as one of the top vineyards and Francis Mallmann's 1884 restaurant for giant two-person steaks straight out of "The Flintstones." There are a number of luxury hotels in the area primarily in the streets between Plaza Independencia and Belgrano and along trendy Villanueva Aristides. The most important recommendation, however, is to acquire tickets and reservations in advance as everything will sell out.

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About the Author

David Jenison served as a staff editor for more than 10 years, contributing to magazines such as "Grammy," "Burn Lounge," "Ingenue," "Hypno," "Mean Street" and "Dispatch." He also wrote a weekly column for E! Online.

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